Hollywood Opts Out Of Fire Talks

HOLLYWOOD — In a move that stunned the city`s biggest backer of annexation, city commissioners withdrew from negotiations Wednesday for a contract to provide emergency services to an unincorporated area that stretches to State Road 84.

The withdrawal leaves Dania as the only city negotiating with Broward County to take over the emergency services for 14,000 residents living in the 3,900- acre unincorporated area.

Both cities had been competing for the contract in hopes that providing the emergency services would give them an advantage when, and if, the area ever is annexed. Both cities want the industrial-rich land between Stirling Road, State Road 84, Ravenswood Road and State Road 7.

``We`re closing the door on annexation, which is what we need for the city`s economic future.``

In November, Hollywood and Dania agreed to negotiate with Broward County to determine which city would provide emergency services for residents and businesses in the area.

However, by a surprising 4-1 vote, with Gunzburger dissenting, commissioners decided to drop out of the negotiations.

City Commissioners John Williams and Cathy Anderson said negotiations were inappropriate unless the county could guarantee that Hollywood would be able to annex the unincorporated area if it won the contract.

Although theirs is only city left in the running for the county contract, Dania officials remained cautious about their chances of winning the pact.